About
Rossendale Harriers and Athletic Club Founded 1967.
Rossendale Harriers was formed in 1967 and has grown to become the largest running and athletics club in Rossendale, catering for all ages and abilities — from beginners to experienced competitive athletes. Over the years many people have come and gone, each leaving their own mark and helping to shape the friendly and successful club that exists today.
Prior to 1967 there was no formal athletics club in Rossendale, although individuals competed in running events and several fell races were organised locally, including the long-established Tor Mile.
The club was formed in response to Rossendale Borough Council building the running track and pavilion at Marl Pits, providing a permanent home for athletics in the valley and laying the foundations for the thriving club that continues today.
The formation of the club was largely due to the work of two men: Walter Whittaker, chairman of the then Rawtenstall Sports Council, and Eddie Roberts, a teacher at a local school.
Rossendale Harriers & A.C. is based at Marl Pits Sports Centre on Newchurch Road in Rawtenstall (signposted from the town centre). We train twice a week at Marl Pits, starting from 6.45pm, throughout the year. Training takes place on the local hills, roads and track, making full use of the excellent facilities and surrounding countryside.
Training is organised in groups according to age and ability, and we cater for everyone aged 8 and above — from those new to running through to experienced athletes. Junior members train outdoors year-round, developing fitness, skills and confidence in a supportive club environment, while adult members train on the track, road and fells all year round.
For first time runners or people wanting to get themselves fit or fitter we have our Monday night “First Steps to Fitness” at the same time and venue. Training is done under the guidance of qualified UKA coaches all of who are CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked.
Many of our members have years of experience in all of the different disciplines within athletics and we are able to offer useful help and advice whether it be on Fell Running, Mountain Marathons,navigation, road racing and marathons or track racing.
Rossendale Harriers organise several Fell races details of which can be found elsewhere on this site.
For first-time runners, or those looking to get fit or fitter, we run our Monday night “First Steps to Fitness” session at the same time and venue. All training is delivered under the guidance of qualified UK Athletics coaches, who are DBS checked.
Many of our members have years of experience across the different disciplines within athletics and are always happy to offer help and advice — whether in fell running, mountain marathons, navigation, road racing, marathons or track racing. Rossendale Harriers also organises several fell races each year, with details available elsewhere on this site.
As well as outdoor training, we have our own well-equipped weight room and gym, available for club members to use seven days a week. The club is run entirely by volunteers who give their time to ensure the smooth running of activities, with the committee elected annually. All members are welcome to attend our monthly committee meetings.
Club constitution Constitution 2022
Push Your Limits. Find Your Pace. Join the Harriers.
If you have an enquiry regarding any of the events on our site or would like further information about training with the Harriers please send us an email and a club representative will reply as quickly as possible.